The first Edinburgh history walk, perfected since 1985

This walking tour is the perfect introduction to Scotland’s capital. 

Step into Edinburgh’s secrets and discover the heart of Scotland’s capital, beyond the reach of tour buses and guidebooks. A beautiful city steeped in awe-inspiring history that has been perfectly preserved in the wynds, closes, courtyards and homes of Edinburgh’s Old Town. 

Take a journey through time, feel the cobblestones beneath your feet as you explore the lives of Edinburgh residents from generations past – from historical figures like Mary Queen of Scots and Robert Burns, to the everyday folk who for their entire lives never left the city’s walls.

With every step along the Royal Mile, echoes of the past surround you – stories of royalty, rebellion, crime and culture brought vividly to life by our masterful Storytellers, and historic landmarks that still stand today. 

Top of the Royal Mile

The castle towers over Edinburgh from up high on its ancient volcanic rock – a literal fortress, looking out over the city’s stunning landscapes. Battles and sieges were fought over it, royalty lived and died within its walls, and countless generations have been inspired by it. 

The Original Secrets of Edinburgh's Royal Mile tour is a 1 hour and 30-minute walking tour exploring the history of Edinburgh’s Old Town finishing on the Edinburgh Castle esplanade, Castlehill. 

This tour explores the upper half of the Royal Mile. Want to know more about the Canongate? Try our Treasures of the Old Town tour where you can step inside the majestic The Palace of Holyroodhouse.